Dumaguete jail kicks off 27th anniversary with 'Oplan Galugad'

THE Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) district jail in Barangay Bajumpandan, Dumaguete City, conducted Monday, August 6, “Oplan Galugad” (search) as part of the kick-off activity of the 27th anniversary of the BJMP-Central Visayas.

BJMP district jail warden Major Prycel Arevalo said three search operations are being conducted weekly in selected cells, especially when they receive reports of illegal activities.

Monday’s operation is just part of the regular checking inside the jail facility as preventive measure against the entry of contraband items, according to him.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-Dumaguete station and the city police also sent searchers to help the jail guards in looking for prohibited items.

The operatives were aided by the K-9 dog of the coast guard.

No methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) or crystal meth was found during Monday’s Oplan Galugad, but there were 20 lighters, improvised chargers, blades that were used in the art craft of the inmates and four pieces of fish bones that can be used as pointed objects.

Arevalo reiterated a warning to all detainees that contraband found in their possession would be used against them in court in case of availment of plea bargaining.

As warden, he said he could issue a good moral certification for inmates who want to avail themselves of plea bargaining, by pleading guilty to the crime charged in exchange for a lesser offense.

Arevalo said almost a hundred detainees of the jail facility in Bajumpandan have availed themselves of the plea bargaining policy, thus decongesting the district jail.

However, to date, there are still 549 detainees left because of the massive government campaign against illegal drugs. (PNA)